Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from win over New York Knicks

Knicks don’t have anything for Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant leaving Golden State feels like a real possibility this year, more than in his two previous seasons.

After the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in Durant’s first year in the Bay Area, his free agency just felt like a formality. After going back-to-back with his second Finals MVP, Durant quickly re-signed again. There was no real chatter or concern surrounding his decision after those two seasons, but there’s a different feeling lingering around this time.

Every team is going to want Durant next summer and, if given the opportunity, will give him as much money as possible. There are a few destinations who have separated themselves from the rest of the NBA. If he doesn’t re-sign with the Warriors–which, at times, feels likely–then he might choose another big market team, namely the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers, or the Knicks.

Durant has been linked to the Knicks a lot this year, despite the fact that he’s tried to reject the notion that he has a wandering eye. And, while the Warriors may be changing up their gameplan to appease him, their best recruitment pitch came two nights ago against the Knicks.

There’s nothing in New York for Durant. While they have some young talent, they’re nowhere near competing. Even if Kristaps Porzingis returns to the level of play that he was at before his injury, that’s not enough. Taking it a step further, even if Kyrie Irving–who, like Durant, is also at the center of New York rumors–goes there, that team making a championship run isn’t a given.

It’s possible that Durant just wants to live in New York and branch out as a businessman and brand in the Big Apple. However, from a basketball standpoint, the Knicks are not an appealing option right now.